Tax Free. Period.
Launched in 2019, the Tax Free. Period. campaign was initiated on the basis of a groundbreaking argument. The tampon tax only applies to those who menstruate. Not only is the implementation of such a tax unfair, but also it is a form of sex-based discrimination. The Tax Free. Period. Initiative has mobilized pro bono attorneys and law students nationwide to help them reach their goal of battling the tampon tax in court.
While the COVID-19 movement has been disastrous in the healthcare community, it has actually empowered the menstrual equity movement. Its persistent rise has reminded communities worldwide of the essence of period products and their sale at minimal, tax-free prices.
On April 15, 2020, a day otherwise known as Tax Day 2020, the Tax Free. Period. Movement released an article, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Tax Day 2020 was essentially a deadline for the states to remove the discriminatory tampon tax. The movement took the following steps to pressure states into meeting the deadline:
Lead public discourse
Develop legal arguments to present in court with pro bono attorneys
partnerships with local advocates and organizations
meetings with state legislators
Community engagement
Most importantly, preparation of lawsuits
These steps resulted in major success with the following five states eliminating the tampon tax
Ohio
Rhode Island
Utah
Washington
California
A memorable quote from the article, which I found truly encapsulating, was: “Periods don’t stop for pandemics.” While the pandemic caused a hitch in progress for many movements and industries worldwide, the menstrual equity movement was actually further ignited. To this end, the Tax Free. Period. project has been highly influential at the forefront of the movement, amplifying the necessity to relieve the financial burden of menstruation, as barriers to access increasingly soar.
Connection to The Elea Project: Back in July of 2022, I started The Elea Project with exactly the same thought in mind. Inexpensive, tax-free period products are a necessity to meet the needs of menstruators worldwide. As a burgeoning organization, The Elea Project is committed to expanding its partnerships with local organizations to achieve menstrual equity and, as a part of its future plans, hopes to indulge in the legislative sphere, adding Georgia to the list of states eliminating the tampon tax.
To support The Elea Project, please donate at the following link:https://gofund.me/4def413a
Please reach out if you are interested in partnering with the project; deekshakhanna@theeleaproject.org
Social Media: @theeleaproject on Instagram
